Vertical Heating Slot Layout for Compact Multi-Food Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food preparation and service industries face challenges in efficiently and effectively heating multiple food products in a short time with limited resources, such as kitchen space and staff, while requiring a compact and portable solution.
Innovation Solution
A compact heating device with multiple heating elements positioned to create a heating slot for simultaneous heating of food products on both sides, utilizing a steam-generated heat system with movable components for efficient heat application and minimal space occupation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional food heating methods are used, then food can be heated, but the heating process is time-consuming and occupies excessive kitchen space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional horizontal heating arrangements to a vertical heating configuration. The food product is positioned vertically between two heating elements, with the first heating element above and the second heating element below, allowing simultaneous heating of both sides of the food product in a compact vertical space arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs movable heating elements that can be adjusted vertically along guide rails. The first heating element is movable relative to the second heating element, allowing dynamic adjustment of the heating slot size and positioning to accommodate different food product sizes and heating requirements, thereby improving heating efficiency.
2Loss of time
If multiple food products are heated simultaneously, then preparation time is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating device is segmented into multiple independent heating zones, with at least a first heating element and a second heating element that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows different food products or different portions of food to be heated simultaneously in separate zones, reducing overall preparation time while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating device is designed with universal heating elements that can heat different types of food products through a single access opening. The movable heating elements and adjustable heating slots provide multi-functionality, allowing the same device structure to handle various food items without requiring complex specialized mechanisms for each food type.
3Volume of moving object
If heating elements are positioned close together for compact design, then space is saved, but heat application to both sides of food becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions heating elements in a vertical arrangement with the first heating element above and the second heating element below the food product. This vertical dimensional arrangement allows the heating elements to be closely spaced in the vertical direction while still effectively heating both sides of the food product, achieving compact device volume without compromising heat application effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable heating elements can dynamically adjust their vertical positions to optimize the heating slot dimensions for different food product sizes. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the heating elements to maintain effective thermal contact with both sides of the food product even when the overall device volume is compact, resolving the contradiction between compactness and heat application effectiveness.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device efficiently heats and cooks food products by applying heat to both sides, optimizing space usage and allowing for quick preparation and reheating, even in limited environments, while maintaining a compact and portable design.
Implementation Method 1
heating elements positioned adjacent one another to create at least one heating slot for receiving a food product... simultaneously applying heat to both sides of each food product
Implementation Method 2
heating elements... applying heat to both sides, optimizing space usage and allowing for quick preparation and reheating
Implementation Method 3
utilizing a steam-generated heat system... connected to a steam generator that produces steam for efficient heat application
Implementation Method 4
steam-generated heat system with movable components for efficient heat application
Data Source
AI summary
A compact portable heating device adapted to heat multiple food products simultaneously is provided. The heating device includes at least one heating element positioned opposite at least one other heating element to form a slot between heating surfaces of the elements for receiving food product. One heating element is mounted to move linearly along a longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to the heating surfaces. Preferably, a first set of movable heating elements are meshed with a second set of heating elements to form an alternating arrangement. One or more heat generators, e.g. steam generators, are positioned to provide heat while minimizing the size of the device.